Joshua 1:1-2, 6-7
- Now after the death of Moses the servant of the LORD it came to pass, that the LORD spake unto Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2. Moses my servant is dead; now therefore arise, go over this Jordan, thou, and all this people, unto the land which I do give to them, even to the children of Israel.
6Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them. 7 Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest.
The Grace of God abounds; therefore, we must abound in God’s grace. Increase and elevate are just a few of the powerful words released as Pastor McKinney ministered Sunday. He says, we must elevate to the next level: next level worship, next level boldness, next level anointing. We see this in the leadership of Joshua. The name, Joshua in the Old Testament is translated Jesus, Savior, and Deliverer. Moses represented the servant, while Joshua represents the Son. In Joshua, the first chapter we see three main points:
1). The Covenant – (spoken to the Clergy) that God made with his people regarding their inheritance of the land).
2). The Commitment – the charge God gave the people to be strong, to arise, and walk in obedience.
3) The Congregation – realizing that the promise and instruction was to all of Israel.
The word, Strong means, “Kha-zak” which translates to grow strong, to prevail, to be firm, to be secure, to press. To be URGENT.
What God was telling Joshua was to be what HE was already to him. Be strong. Take the Word and speak it, study it, meditate on it. Arise and go over with the assignment of the Lord understanding that it’s not just the Word spoken “over” but the Word spoken “in.” Just like Joshua, it is not just the Word spoken “over us” but the Word ‘in us” that keeps us and causes us to triumph.
Being strong entails those qualities enabling us to face difficulty, danger, disappointment, despair, death, and whatever other dreadful “Ds” life throws at us.
To arise means to put our faith in action, to have courage to act in accordance with our beliefs. If we say we believe in something we should be able to stand for that belief no matter what comes at us.
Lastly, we were instructed to literally breathe in HIS breath (trust Him, Seek Him, Love Him) and watch life come into every area; in Jesus name, AMEN!
This article is adapted from the Sermon Notes for Dr. McKinney’s message: “VIP: Arise & Be Strong,” which was ministered Sunday, November 5th, 2017
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